Undergraduate
BDS
A complete guide to the BDS programme in India: eligibility, top colleges, career outcomes, and frequently asked questions.
Course Overview
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) is a five-year undergraduate programme that includes four years of academic study and one year of compulsory rotating internship. The curriculum covers oral anatomy, dental materials, conservative dentistry, orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, prosthodontics, periodontics, paediatric dentistry, and preventive community dentistry. Admission happens through NEET UG, the same entrance exam that governs MBBS admissions, and competition for government dental college seats is significant. What makes BDS attractive is the relatively clear path to independent practice. After graduating and registering with the Dental Council of India or the relevant state dental council, you can legally practise dentistry. Many dentists join established clinics or dental hospital chains like Clove Dental, Apollo White Dental, and Sabka Dentist, while others start their own practice within a few years. For those who want to specialise, the three-year MDS programme offers options in orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics, and paediatric dentistry, with admission through NEET MDS. Specialists generally earn more and have an easier time building a niche reputation. Career outcomes beyond clinical practice include dental research, public health dentistry, dental product companies, and academic positions. Starting salaries for fresh BDS graduates range from 2 to 4 lakh rupees per year as associates, with earnings improving substantially after gaining experience or completing MDS.
Duration
5 years (including internship)
Eligibility
10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology; minimum 50% aggregate; NEET qualified
Career Outcomes
Entrance Exams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between BDS and MBBS?
Both are 5.5 year undergraduate medical degrees admitted through NEET UG, but BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) trains dentists for oral healthcare while MBBS trains general physicians. BDS is more focused and allows earlier entry into private practice, while MBBS opens broader medical specialisations and hospital careers.
What is the fee for BDS in India?
Government dental colleges charge fees ranging from 30,000 to 3 lakh rupees per year. Private dental colleges charge significantly more, typically 4 to 12 lakh rupees per year. Your NEET rank determines college placement and therefore financial burden.
Can I start a dental clinic after BDS?
Yes. After completing BDS and registering with the Dental Council of India, you can set up a private practice. Initial setup typically requires 10 to 25 lakh rupees for equipment, clinic interiors, and licensing. Many dentists work as associates at established clinics for 2 to 4 years before opening their own practice.
Should I do MDS after BDS?
MDS is not mandatory for practising dentistry but significantly expands career options and earning potential. Specialisations like orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics, and paediatric dentistry command premium fees and open academic or hospital consultant positions. MDS takes an additional 3 years.
What is the salary of a fresh BDS graduate in India?
Fresh BDS graduates working as associates at private clinics or dental chains like Clove Dental or Apollo White earn 2 to 4 lakh rupees per year. Government dental officer positions offer 6 to 10 lakh rupees with stability and benefits. With experience, private practice and MDS specialisation substantially improve earnings.
Last updated: April 2026